Just Chilling with the Cat

Location: Atlantic Avenue, south of Liberty

Date photo taken: 11 November 2020

I feel like this is what many of us have been doing this February. Sitting around, enjoying way too much coffee, talking to the cat. 

This mural is by Jason Pinney and Jarus and it was commissioned back in 2016 by Liberty Street Cyclery which occupied the building at the time. It was sponsored by the City's StreetArt program. 

 

Commissioners Street Stack

 

Location: Lakeshore at McCleary Park

Date photo taken: 7 July 2020

Standing 137 metres tall, the stack at the former incinerator complex on Commissioners Street in the Port Lands is an impressive sight. Though not as tall as the Hearn's stack (which is poking out from behind in the photo above) the open vista provided by McCleary Park makes it easier to admire. Built in the early 1950s, it was the last incinerator facility to be built by the City and today the building is a listed heritage site. It ceased burning things in 1988 due in part to health concerns about released toxins and today functions as a transfer station for the City's Solid Waste Management Services division. It's also where you can go to drop off your household hazardous material and e-waste, although possibly not for long. The Port Lands are currently under redevelopment and the Port Lands Planning Framework re-envisions this complex as a community hub with a creative sector incubator. Fingers crossed! The stack itself recently underwent extensive rehabilitation so it's all set for whatever the future has in store.

Delivery with heart

Location: Distillery District

Date photo taken: 25 January 2021

Meet Geoffrey, your adorable zero emission local delivery robot. I've seen these cute little boxes roaming the sidewalks of the Distillery District, Corktown and the Canary District. With the help of real-life but remote pilots, who also handle communications, these mobile lock boxes currently pick up orders at twelve partner restaurants. Delivery fees currently range from $2.99 to $5.99.

Hydro House

 

Location: 746 Scarlett Road

Date photo taken: 26 May 2019

This house has a secret. While the neatly trimmed shrubs and tidy yard may fool casual onlookers, anyone taking a second look is bound to notice the Danger sign next to the heavy duty front door, or the security equipment mounted at the corner. This building houses not people, but one of the city's many electrical substations. Scattered throughout the city to ensure the flow of power, these substations are designed to blend in and they are well maintained to ensure that neighbours have nothing to complain about. And for safety reasons of course. Most are shells, built by Toronto Hydro specifically to house equipment and in that, this house is a little different. It was once a regular home, but was purchased by Toronto Hydro and gutted to serve its new purpose.